Polk County Government

Published: June 1, 2026

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun, and the Polk County Emergency Management team wants to remind residents and visitors to prepare early and stay alert throughout the upcoming storm season.

“Today is the start of the 2026 Hurricane Season and we want to make sure the residents and visitors of Polk County take proactive steps to prepare before a storm threatens,” said Paul Womble, Polk County Emergency Management Director. “Taking time now to review emergency plans, gather supplies and preparing their home and property for potential severe weather are a few important steps residents can take now that can help make all the difference when severe weather strikes.”

Some tips to prepare now and develop an emergency plan:

Build a Seven-Day Emergency Supply Kit
Residents are encouraged to prepare an emergency kit that includes enough food, water, medication and essential supplies to last at least seven days. Potential items may include flashlights, batteries, important documents, items for pets and more.

A downloadable seven-day supply checklist is available on the Polk County Emergency Management website to help residents prepare.

Create an Emergency Communications Plan
Update your family’s communications plan. Establish how your family will stay in contact if separated and be sure to designate an out-of-town contact everyone can check in with. Make sure that everyone has key phone numbers written down and not just stored in phones. Have a plan that includes the possibility that both power and cell phone service may be out.

Prepare Your Home and Property
Homeowners and renters are urged to review their insurance policies and store important documents in a waterproof container. It is also recommended to create digital backups of essential records.

Trimming low hanging limbs and overgrown vegetation surrounding your home can protect the structure and help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Special Needs Planning
Residents with medical needs should also review their emergency plans. Make sure you have a plan for those who may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen or other special needs. If anyone in your household requires medical devices or electricity, or has mobility or cognitive impairments, be sure to plan for transportation and assistance in advance. A special needs shelter plan may be appropriate during a hurricane or emergency event.

To register for a special needs shelter and/or transportation, visit the Florida Special Needs Registry https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/.

Know Your Shelter Options
There are 48 designated public hurricane shelters in Polk County, Florida including three pet-friendly shelters and three special needs shelters that can be activated during an emergency. It is important to remember that not all public shelters are automatically opened and activated during an emergency as shelters will open as needed.

For a list of the 2026 Potential Polk County Public Shelters, click here: https://www.polkfl.gov/public-safety/emergency-management/find-a-shelter/

Stay Informed
Residents should also sign up for the local alert system, Alert Polk to receive emergency notifications and follow Polk County Emergency Management on social media for real-time updates and safety information during a storm.

Alert Polk: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736724723/ov
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polkcountyem
Instagram: @polkcountygovfl
X: @polkemergency

Residents and visitors are also encouraged to monitor weather via NOAA Weather radio and trusted news outlets.

With forecasts predicting a potentially active hurricane season, now is the time to prepare.

For more hurricane preparedness information visit https://www.polk-county.net/public-safety/hurricane-preparedness/.

SEE ALL NEWS

Polk County Emergency Management Encourages Preparation for the 2026 Hurricane Season